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Panthers' O'Brien Sent Down To Minors

News:Shane O'Brien was sent down to the minors Sunday, Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis: This move is to make room for Dmitry Kulikov's return from suspension. Shane O'Brien recorded no goals or assists in 56 minutes of playing time during his February four-game stint, so this doesn't have any real fantasy ramifications.

Panthers Recall O'Brien

News:Shane O'Brien was recalled from AHL San Antonio on Saturday, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The Panthers likely recalled Shane O'Brien in anticipation of a potential suspension for Dmitry Kulikov, who is facing disciplinary action for his hit on Dallas' Tyler Seguin during Friday's game. O'Brien has tallied 19 points through 32 games with San Antonio this season, and had one point in four games during his previous stay with the Panthers earlier this season.

Panthers' O'Brien Reassigned To Minors

News:Shane O'Brien was reassigned to AHL San Antonio on Thursday, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: With forward Shawn Thornton (groin) considered very close to returning from IR, Shane O'Brien's dismissal from the 23-man roster would open up a spot. The blueliner has only appeared in four games for the Panthers this season, averaging just 12:23 of ice time.

Panthers Recall O'Brien

Analysis:Shane O'Brien has played in 22 games with AHL San Antonio this season, collecting six goals and eight assists along with 50 penalty minutes. The Panthers are heading out on a six-game road trip, and his recall was likely insurance for the club as they prepare to head out.

Panthers Reassign O'Brien

News:Shane O'Brien was reassigned to AHL San Antonio on Wednesday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

Analysis: The Panthers brought Shane O'Brien in late last week to serve as insurance on defense over their last three games, and as was expected, he never found his way into the lineup. Upon returning to San Antonio, he'll be forced to serve a two-game suspension for a charging incident from a Dec. 9 match against AHL Chicago.

Panthers Recall O'Brien

News:Shane O'Brien was recalled from AHL San Antonio on Thursday, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Though Shane O'Brien failed to win a roster spot with the Panthers as a training camp tryout, the organization thought enough of him to stash him in the minors as depth to begin the season. After spending the last two months biding his time in San Antonio, O'Brien will get the call back to the NHL squad with Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) uncertain to play Friday versus the Red Wings. If Ekblad is indeed out Friday, look for O'Brien to occupy a spot on the Panthers' third pairing for at least one game.

O'Brien Signs One-Year Deal With Panthers

News:Shane O'Brien signed a one-year, two way contract with the Panthers on Monday.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien made the best of his training camp invite from the Panthers and will now be a part of their 2014-15 campaign. The 31-year-old hasn't had many opportunities on the ice for the past two years and that likely won't change during his time in Florida as he may spend most of his time in the minors anyways.

O'Brien Signs PTO Contract With Panthers

News:Shane O'Brien was invited to Panthers' camp on a professional tryout basis, Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Analysis: With the Panthers searching for some veteran defensive depth to complement youngsters Aaron Ekblad, Erik Gudbranson and Dylan Olsen, Shane O'Brien could provide exactly what the club is looking for. O'Brien hasn't shown much offensive ability during his time in the NHL, but does offer some physicality and has previously ranked among the blueliner leaders in penalty minutes. If he makes the club, O'Brien would likely slot in on the third pairing, or as a seventh defenseman.

Flames' O'Brien A Candidate For Compliance Buyout

News:Shane O'Brien will likely have his contract bought out by the Flames, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reports.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien appeared in 45 games for the Flames last season, but was reassigned to the AHL in January. The 30-year-old defenseman was due to make $2.2 million in 2014-15, so the team decided to go the route of a compliance buyout. This will give them more cap room to potentially make a move in free agency.

Flames' O'Brien Sent To AHL

News:Shane O'Brien was reassigned to AHL Abbotsford on Sunday, Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald reports.

Analysis: With no team taking a flier on Shane O'Brien while on waivers, the 30-year-old is set to take up residence in Abbotsford for the foreseeable future. He's notched all of three assists in 45 games with Calgary this season.

Flames Place O'Brien On Waivers

Analysis: After Shane O'Brien had a poor showing Friday vs. the Predators (minus-3 rating in just 5:37 of ice time), the organization evidently decided it was better to explore other options on the blue line at this juncture. O'Brien, who has three points, 58 penalty minutes, and a minus-8 rating in 45 games with the Flames this season, will likely report to AHL Abbotsford if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Flames' O'Brien Enters Lineup Saturday

News:Shane O'Brien (illness) is in the lineup Saturday vs. the Kings, Pat Steinberg of Sporstnet 960 The Fan reports.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien had been dealing with the illness during last Saturday's practice, but his absence from the lineup the past two games probably didn't have much to do with him being under the weather. The defenseman hasn't been especially productive with two points in 21 games this season and seems like he has a decent chance at being scratched by coach Bob Hartley on any given night.

Flames' O'Brien Feeling Ill

Analysis: The illness must have been an overnight development for Shane O'Brien, who played his usual minutes in Friday's win over the Panthers. He'll most likely be ready to go when the Flames resume action Wednesday vs. the Blackhawks.

O'Brien Traded To Flames

News:Shane O'Brien and David Jones were traded from Colorado to Calgary on Thursday in exchange for Alex Tanguay (knee) and Cory Sarich, NHL.com reports.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien was a frequent healthy scratch with the Avalanche last season but may be able to help Calgary with depth and toughness along the blue line. He scored four points and racked up 60 penalty minutes in 28 games last season.

Avs' O'Brien Sitting Out Season Opener

News:Shane O'Brien will be a healthy scratch for Saturday's season opener against Minnesota, the The Denver Post reports.

Analysis: This is somewhat surprising, as Shane O'Brien played in all but six games last season, and racked up 20 points as one of the Avs' more reliable defensemen. Keep an eye on his status going forward - it could be that coach Joe Sacco is still tinkering with his blue line pairings. O'Brien figures to get in there sooner or later.

Avs' O'Brien Rounding Out His Game

News:Shane O'Brien is currently enjoying a top-four role for the Avs, skating with Erik Johnson on the team's first defensive pairing.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien has 14 points in 59 games so far this season, a new career high. He routinely skates 20+ minutes per night, well above the 17 minutes he averaged last season. In the past, O'Brien has tended to let his fists - not his stick - do more of the talking, but he is showing signs of developing into more of a complete player this season. He's worth a look if you're in a very deep fantasy format and need blue line help.

Avs' O'Brien Scratched Thursday Vs. Wild

News:Shane O'Brien will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against Minnesota, according to the Denver Post.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien has zero points in his last eight games and was in negative plus-minus territory in four of those games. He will be replaced in the lineup by rookie Stefan Elliott who has more offensive upside and is expected to help out on the Avs' power play.

Avs' O'Brien Nearing Return From Knee Injury

News:Shane O'Brien (knee) rejoined the team for Monday's practice, according to the Denver Post.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien reportedly had a good hard skate during the morning practice, and although he won't play Monday afternoon against the Coyotes, there's a chance he could play Wedneday against Florida.

Avalanche's O'Brien Placed On IR

Avs' O'Brien Sidelined With Knee Injury

News:Shane O'Brien sustained a knee injury during Saturday's 4-0 loss to St. Louis and will miss at least the next two games, according to the Denver Post.

Analysis: Avs coach Joe Sacco said Shane O'Brien will not play in this week's home-and-home series against Nashville, and will be replaced in the lineup by Ryan Wilson. For fantasy purposes, consider O'Brien unavailable for the balance of this week.

Avs' O'Brien Nearing Personal Best

News: With 13 points in 41 games (1G, 12A), Shane O'Brien is on pace to top the career-high 21 points he posted in 2007-08 with Tampa Bay.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien has historically been more of a one-dimensional fantasy asset by way of the sin bin, having recorded 196 PIM three seasons ago with Vancouver. However, he's clearly adding a scoring element to round out his game. He could provide some nice fantasy value in deeper formats.

Colorado's O'Brien's Injuries Appear Behind Him

News:Shane O'Brien (shoulder) played through his injuries Thursday, tallying 1 assist in 19:29 on the ice.

Analysis:Shane O'Brien made the season opener and has played 18 minutes in the first four games of the season. He assisted one goal and put two shots on goal in the Avs's big win against then Senators, looking like his shoulder is not bothering him too much.

Avs' O'Brien Out With Shoulder Injury

News:Shane O'Brien is currently nursing a shoulder injury, according to the Denver Post.

Analysis: A healthy Shane O'Brien (6'3", 230 lbs) should be part of the Avs' opening-day roster as part of a bigger, stronger blue line corps. He won't score much, but he will provide big hits and be expected to clear the crease for his goaltenders. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Avs Sign O'Brien

News: The Avalanche have signed O'Brien to a one-year, $1.1 million contract, reports the Denver Post.

Analysis: O'Brien had two goals and seven assists in 80 games for the Predators last season. He will bring mainly size and toughness to the Avs' blue line next season, rather than scoring ability. He should not be on anyone's fantasy radar outside of ultra-deep leagues.

Predators Letting O'Brien Walk In Free Agency

News: The Predators will not re-sign O'Brien, according to The Tennessean's Joshua Cooper.

Analysis: O'Brien can now hit the open market Friday as an unrestrcited free agent. This is a tough defenseman who will drop his gloves and stand up for his team on the ice, though he's had his work ethic questioned in the past. No matter what team he ends up on, it would be hard to envision O'Brien assuming any role beyond the resident enforcer.

More Ice Time Expected For Preds' O'Brien

News: O'Brien is ready to return after serving a two-game suspension for high-sticking the Panthers' Stephen Weiss last week, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: With fellow blueliner Francis Bouillon now out with an upper-body injury, coach Barry Trotz said he plans to use O'Brien more than usual. "Shane will probably pick up some of [Bouillon's minutes," Trotz said. "Shane can play against top guys. He can play all over. From that standpoint, we're fortunate that we're getting Shane back." O'Brien is still not considered an offensive defenseman, so temper your expectations accordingly. He has just eight points (2G, 6A) in 43 games so far this season.

Preds' O'Brien Suspended

News: The NHL suspended O'Brien for two games Friday, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: O'Brien was suspended for a play near the end of the first period of Nashville's 3-2 loss at Florida on Thursday night, when O'Brien's stick caught the Panthers' Stephen Weiss in the face. O'Brien will miss the Preds' back-to-back set with the Blackhawks Saturday and Sunday.

O'Brien Traded to Predators

News: The Canucks traded O'Brien to the Predators on Tuesday in exchange for two minor leaguers, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: O'Brien cleared waivers on Monday, making way for Tuesday's trade. The gritty blueliner should remain a solid source of penalty minutes with the Predators, but don't expect much help in other areas.

Canucks' O'Brien Still Fighting For Roster Spot

News: With one preseason game remaining, O'Brien still hasn't locked down a roster spot, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: A causalty or two is expected before the regular season as the Canucks try to trim some salary cap. As a depth defenseman with a $1.6-million price tag, O'Brien is one of the top candidates to be cut. His propensity to rack up penalty minutes has always been a boon to fantasy owners, but that same skill set is what could cost O'Brien his job. If the gritty blueliner doesn't prove that he can cutback on the mindless penalties, he could be on the outside looking in come opening night.

O'Brien plays in quarterfinal opener

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien was dressed for Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Kings after missing one game with an upper-body injury in the regular season. O'Brien had no points in 19:17 of ice time and finished at even.

Analysis: O'Brien totaled two goals, eight points and a plus-15 rating in 65 games this season. While the plus-15 was a career high, the assists and points were a career low. O'Brien mostly dressed as a checking presence and had minimal Fantasy appeal. He will be nothing more than a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM on Draft Day 2010.

O'Brien emerging from dog house

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien's exile from the team ended after six days as he returned to practice Sunday morning, but did not play against the Wild. O'Brien, who hasn't traveled or skated with the team since being late to practice last Monday, made a public apology for both the tardiness and gaining too much weight during the Olympic break.

Analysis: It's good to see O'Brien back with his teammates at this critical time in the season, but his Fantasy value in leagues that reward bad behavior has taken a dive in 2009-10 with his 79 penalty minutes. He averaged 175 PIM in his first three NHL seasons. You're better off just ignoring him in all Fantasy leagues for Week 25 (April 5-11), as it's no guarantee he'll even see the ice.

O'Brien to sit in dog house

News: The Vancouver Sun reports that Canucks D Shane O'Brien will not practice or play with the team until Sunday at the earliest after he showed up late to practice on Monday. "Obviously, there is more to this than just yesterday's incident," coach Alain Vigneault said. "So we've got a plan for Shane O'Brien. He will not be practicing or be with the team until Sunday. His situation then will be re-evaluated."

Analysis: O'Brien was a real penalty machine in his first three NHL seasons, but has really been behaving himself this campaign, which has lowered his value in Fantasy leagues that reward bad behavior. You have to think he might see some reduced minutes after this incident, so consider him a risky play in deeper formats for Week 25 (April 5-11).

O'Brien seeing increased minutes

News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Shane O'Brien was being bandied about the NHL as trade bait while sitting out seven straight as a healthy scratch, but he has played well in the six since his exile ended, recording his first assist Thursday and going plus-3 on a pairing with Sami Salo while seeing his minutes rise to around the 16-minute mark.

Analysis: O'Brien has so far added a needed physical presence without taking the needless penalties that plagued him last season. He played well enough to get in ahead of veteran Mathieu Schneider for four straight games before Alexander Edler's "upper body" injury on Tuesday in Nashville made both necessary for the next few weeks. Even though he is starting to play better in an all-around aspect, O'Brien is still best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien back after short suspension

News: D Shane O'Brien returned for the Canucks on Friday against the Stars after serving a one-game league suspension on Thursday night. O'Brien had no points in 17:01 of ice time and finished at plus-1. He has no points in 16 games.

Analysis: O'Brien is not on the ice for his offense. He dresses most nights as a player that can bring the pain from the blue line. O'Brien is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Canucks opt to bring back O'Brien

News: The Canucks also Monday that they re-signed defenseman Shane O'Brien to a one-year, $1.6-million contract. O'Brien, a 25-year-old restricted free agent, had 10 assists in 77 games last season, his first with the Canucks after being acquired in a four-player trade with Tampa Bay in October. O'Brien also had 196 penalty minutes last season, second in the NHL to Philadelphia forward Daniel Carcillo.

Analysis: It's surprising the Canucks opted to bring back O'Brien since there was a lot of talk last season he was going to be dealt at the trade deadline. He also got into a verbal sparring match with coach Alain Vigneault and the front office. It seems all is well and O'Brien is heading back to work in 2009-10. Consider O'Brien merely a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien sets new career-high in PIM

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien totaled 15 penalty minutes Sunday against the Blackhawks. O'Brien was one of many players to get involved in a series of fights 5:50 into the third. Aside from getting hit with a major penalty, O'Brien also took a game misconduct, his ninth of the season.

Analysis: O'Brien set a new career-high with 185 penalty minutes. He has been a regular in the lineup since mid-February after being at ends with the organization, but still no offensive whiz. Consider O'Brien merely a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien scores into own net

News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Shane O'Brien scored his first goal in 128 games Saturday in Phoenix. Unfortunately it was into his own net. O'Brien, who still hasn't scored a goal that counts since Nov. 8, 2007, accidentally swiped a loose puck into his own net after Roberto Luongo had vacated it on a delayed penalty. It was the worst of a rough night for O'Brien, who finished minus-3 after giving Shane Doan was too much of a gap to get a shot away early in the second period, and misplaying an odd-man rush in the third, and was in the penalty box twice, once for clearing the puck over the glass and a second time for roughing, which resulted in the Coyotes third goal.

Analysis: O'Brien's off night may be enough for the Canucks to give veteran Ossi Vaananan his first game since being claimed off waivers from Philadelphia just before the trade deadline. Vaananan has been a healthy scratch for 11 games since, but the Canucks were 8-1-1 the first 10. O'Brien and the Canucks had a rift earlier this season when the defenseman was sent to the press box for poor play and then called out the organization for it. He has been a regular in the lineup since mid-February, but still no offensive whiz. Consider him merely a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien has 25 PIM in last four

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien failed to record a point and finished at even in 8:02 of ice time Tuesday against the Canadiens, but he did rack up 17 penalty minutes. O'Brien was hit with a fighting major, two-minute instigator and 10-minute misconduct in the first period. He has 25 penalty minutes in his last four games.

Analysis: O'Brien was in the doghouse earlier this month and it seemed as though the enforcer would be traded out of Vancouver after dissing the Canucks' organization. They have seemed to patch up their differences, but that doesn't mean O'Brien still won't be traded. Consider him merely a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien a healthy scratch, again

News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Shane O'Brien's apology after lashing out at management for giving him the impression he needed to fight more may have kept him in the organization, but it hasn't helped him get back on the ice. O'Brien was a healthy scratch for a third-straight game -- twice since he questioned General Manager Mike Gillis publicly -- Saturday against Chicago, and in the meantime the Canucks made a trade to re-acquire a similarly tough depth defenseman in Nathan McIver, sending seldom-used grinding RW Mike Brown to Anaheim in exchange for the gritty defender they lost on waivers back in October. McIver has been assigned to Manitoba in the AHL, but his acquisition was likely not lost on O'Brien, who was acquired from Tampa Bay shortly after McIver was lost in early October to do a lot of the same things. "We got him for depth," coach Alain Vigneault said. "In our mind, Nathan McIver is a seventh, eighth, ninth defenseman in an organization depending how he is playing. I think on your depth chart you need to have a tough defenseman that you can call up and you need to have a puck-moving defenseman that you can call up, depending on who gets hurt and who can't play. For me, he's the toughness part."

Analysis: O'Brien has not been happy since being called out by Gillis and his days with the Canucks could be numbered. The third-year veteran has no goals, seven assists, a plus-7 rating and 132 penalty minutes in his first season with the Canucks. There have been no talks of him being shipped at the trade deadline, but if this situation doesn't get any better, O'Brien could be on the block. Still, he is more of an enforcer than anything and only has Fantasy value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien questions standing with Canucks

News:The Vancouver Province reports Canucks D Shane O'Brien questioned his status with the team Monday after being benched Saturday against the Wild. O'Brien was out of the lineup after being involved in an altercation with Mason Raymond and Willie Mitchell Thursday. O'Brien was stunned by the benching since he has been playing well.

Analysis: O'Brien said he is getting mixed signals from general manager Mike Gillis, who has urged the defenseman to be more physical, fight more and take fewer cheap penalties. "I'm happy that he's not happy," said coach Alain Vigneault of O'Brien. Vigneault didn't commit to O'Brien being back in the lineup Tuesday against Carolina. The third-year veteran has no goals, seven assists, a plus-7 rating and 132 penalty minutes in his first season with the Canucks. There have been no talks of him being shipped at the trade deadline, but if this situation doesn't get any better, O'Brien could be on the block. Still, he is more of an enforcer than anything and only has Fantasy value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien's penalty streak ends

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien failed to record a point and finished at even in 14:46 of ice time Sunday against the Blue Jackets. He also failed to go to the penalty box for the first time in six games.

Analysis: O'Brien has been a real chirpy player on defense for the Canucks in 2008-09. That hasn't changed from his days with the Lightning, but O'Brien has a real chance to lead the league in penalty minutes this season. O'Brien's offensive skills have come to a halt in '08-09, so continue to view him more as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

O'Brien returns with penalty minutes

News: Vancouver D Shane O'Brien (leg) returned to action on Saturday night in a loss to Chicago. O'Brien picked up two minutes for holding the stick of Dustin Byfuglien in the 1st period of the game. He did not record any points.

Analysis: O'Brien has no goals and five assists in 34 games this season, but he is not on the ice for his offensive game. O'Brien has racked up 112 penalty minutes and has turned into one of the NHL's top enforcers. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

O'Brien injures leg Wednesday

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien favored his left leg when he left midway through the first period Wednesday against the Oilers after a hit by Edmonton LW Zach Stortini. He didn't have a point in 4:52 of ice time and finished at even.

Analysis: O'Brien has no goals and five assists in 33 games this season, but he is not on the ice for his offensive game. O'Brien has racked up 110 penalty minutes ans had turned into one of the NHL's top enforcers. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats when healthy.

O'Brien racks up 17 penalty minutes

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien took 17 minutes in penalties after instigating a second-period fight in Edmonton on Saturday and also receiving a 10-minute misconduct, pushing his NHL-leading total to 105 minutes. The Canucks high penalty totals -- they went into the game second only to Anaheim, O'Brien's first NHL team -- weren't a problem when they ran Nashville out of their own building in a fight-filled game Tuesday. "If our forwards are going to be banging and crashing like that, I'm all for it," O'Brien said. "If one guy goes in, there are four more guys coming in as well."

Analysis: O'Brien is a solid two-way player, but he acts more as an enforcer than scorer along the Canucks blue line. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

O'Brien has first multi-point game

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 in 17:41 of ice time Thursday against the Red Wings. It was his first points since Nov. 15.

Analysis: O'Brien had all of three points coming into Thursday and that pretty much sums up his offensive effort. He is primarily on the ice for his defensive prowess and enforcer-style play. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

O'Brien totals five penalties

News: D Shane O'Brien took five of the Canucks' six penalties during Wednesday's 6-3 win against the Rangers. All five of his infractions were minor penalties and he spent 10 minutes in the box. He now has 46 penalty minutes on the season.

Analysis: O'Brien is averaging about 15 minutes per contest, but he is primarily on the ice for his defensive prowess and enforcer-style play. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

O'Brien tallies assist, penalty

News: Canucks D Shane O'Brien recorded an assist and plus-2 rating in 19:35 of ice time Saturday against the Maple Leafs. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. O'Brien had his first point in six November games.

Analysis: O'Brien has 36 penalty minutes and three assists in 18 games this season. He is averaging about 15 minutes per contest, but he is primarily on the ice for his defensive prowess and enforcer-style play. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

O'Brien a surprise starter Thurs.

News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks D Shane O'Brien was something of a surprise starter in the season-opener Thursday against the Flames, playing instead of D Rob Davison despite being acquired from Tampa Bay Monday, hours after flying back from the Lightning's season opener in Europe. O'Brien finished at plus-1 in 13:25 of ice time and didnt attempt a shot on net.

Analysis: O'Brien paired with Sami Salo Thursday and will likely stay in the third pairing until Vancouver is comfortable with moving him around. O'Brien has some offensive potential, but is primarily a checking defenseman that racks up a lot of penalty minutes. View him as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and a low-end option in standard formats.

Lighting trade O'Brien, Ouellet for Krajicek

Analysis: Krajicek played in 39 games with the Canucks last season, recording two goals and 11 points with one power-play goal. He missed the majority of the season due to a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old has played in 207 career NHL games with Vancouver and the Florida Panthers. He has eight career goals and 50 points with five power play goals and two game-winning goals. His Fantasy value remains minimal. O'Brien recorded four goals with 17 assists last season with Tampa Bay in 77 games. Ouellet, 26, was signed by the Lightning before last season and had 17 goals and 19 assists in 64 games. O'Brien is one of the better two-way defenseman in the NHL, but is still just a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman. Ouellet remains nothing more than a low-end reserve Fantasy forward. Simek, a sixth-round pick by Vancouver in 2006, had seven goals and 17 assists with minor-league Manitoba last season. He should continue to be ignored in all formats.

O'Brien lands fourth game misconduct

News: Lightning D Shane O'Brien finished at minus-1 and without a point in 10:22 of ice time Sunday against the Blue Jackets. It was the 10th straight game he was held without a point. However, he totaled two penatlies -- roughing and game misconduct -- and spent 12 minutes in the penalty box.

Analysis: O'Brien now has 152 penalty minutes on the season that includes four game misconducts. He is closing in on his career-high 176 penalty minutes he set last season as a rookie. O'Brien is one of the better two-way defenseman in the NHL, but is still just a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.

O'Brien hit with game misconduct

News: Lightning D Shane O'Brien failed to record a point for the 11th straight game Tuesday against the Canadiens. He did finish at plus-1 and was hit with a game misconduct penalty. He now has racked up 122 penalty minutes.

Analysis: O'Brien, who has a career-high 18 points, hasn't been much of an offensive factor now that Dan Boyle has returned to the lineup. O'Brien is still one of the Lightning's top enforcers and should be used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM. Consider him a low-end defenseman in standard formats.

O'Brien racking up penalty minutes

News: Lightning D Shane O'Brien tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 during Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs. He now has an assist in four of his last six games. O'Brien was also hit with a roughing penalty Tuesday.

Analysis: O'Brien has been getting in plenty of trouble since November. He has recorded at least one penalty in 16 of his last 25 games. He is in just his second season, but can be considered a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman. He is also worth a flier in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes.

O'Brien tallies three assists

News: Lightning D Shane O'Brien posted three assists and a plus-4 rating during Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Flames. He was also hit with two penalties -- a two-minute roughing call and 10-minute game misconduct. The assists were his first points in seven December games.

Analysis: O'Brien has been getting in plenty of trouble lately. He has managed 23 penalty minutes in his last five games and has been a disruptive force since mid-November. He is in just his second season, but can be considered a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman. He is also worth a flier in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes.

O'Brien breaks into goals column

News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Shane O'Brien went 77 games between goals -- and then he didn't even make it 10 minutes between his next two. The second-year defenseman scored twice against Atlanta on Saturday, doubling his career total. The 23-year-old last scored on Nov. 9, 2006, against Anaheim while he was a member of the Ducks. On Saturday, he scored when he joined the rush at 11:10 of the first period, and then he launched a slap shot less than seven minutes later for his first career multi-goal game.

Analysis: O'Brien is not known to be a goal scorer or rack up a lot of assists. He is best known as an enforcer and someone who spends a lot of time in the penalty box. Despite the two-goal night, he is nothing more than a flier in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes.

D O'Brien is on top pairing

News: The Tampa Bay Lightning have Filip Kuba and Shane O'Brien will be on the team's top defensive pairing following the freak injury to Dan Boyle (wrist surgery). Brad Lukowich and Paul Ranger will make up the second pairing. "All of us are going to step up our games," Ranger told the Tampa Tribune. "We have to. And when Danny comes back, we'll be that much better."

Analysis: O'Brien emerged as a Fantasy favorite late in the season in leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes, as he helped out in that category and provided a little more offense than the average goon.

D O'Brien signs two-year deal

News: The Tampa Bay Lightning re-signed Shane O'Brien to a two-year contract after posted two goals and 14 assists. He did manage 176 penalty minutes in his rookie season, which was good for fourth in the NHL. "Shane O'Brien has already demonstrated to us, in a very short period of time, that he is going to be a perfect fit in our system," Lightning GM Jay Feaster told TSN.ca.

Analysis: O'Brien emerged as a Fantasy favorite late in the season in leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes, as he helped out in that category and provided a little more offense than the average goon.

Lightning acquire D O'Brien

News: The Anaheim Ducks acquired goaltender Gerald Coleman and a 2007 first-round draft pick from Tampa Bay on Saturday in exchange for defenseman Shane O'Brien and a third-round pick next year. O'Brien appeared in 62 games with the Ducks this season, with two goals, 12 assists and 140 penalty minutes. He was drafted by Anaheim in 2003, and played for Cincinnati and Portland in the AHL the last two seasons.

Analysis: O'Brien remains a solid Fantasy defenseman in all leagues which heavily reward PIM. It is not likely his scoring will go up and Tampa will likely want him to continue his enforcer ways.

D O'Brien: points and PIM

News: Shane O'Brien has been on a roll lately, posting a goal and three assists over the past three games with a plus-2 rating.

Analysis: O'Brien, normally a boon for Fantasy owners in leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes, is giving them an extra bonus with some unexpected offense. Don't expect him to light the lamp much, but he does nice work with his fists and will contribute steadily in PIM all season.

D O'Brien has three points

News: Shane O'Brien scored a goal, added two assists and had a plus-3 rating in 16:48 of ice time in Thursday's game at Vancouver.

Analysis: O'Brien has managed a goal and two assists through the first 15 games, so Thursday's offensive production was shocking. He has emerged as a must-start in all larger Fantasy leagues due to his help in the penalty minutes category.

Shane O'Brien scores first goal

News: Shane O'Brien, a 23-year-old defenseman taken as the 250th player in the 2003 NHL Draft, was excited about his 50-foot wrist shot from near the right boards that sailed past a screened Dominik Hasek for his first NHL goal against Detroit Wednesday. "Teemu (Selanne) gave me a great pass. The puck slid out to me and I saw big Pens (Dustin Penner) in front of the net and could hardly see (Dominik) Hasek, so I just thought if I got it through and got it on net, good things would happen," O'Brien said.

Analysis: O'Brien is a player to watch, but for now, he's not worth picking up in Fantasy play.